Showing posts with label adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adult. Show all posts

Monday, July 28, 2014

Grown-ups Have More Fun on Disney Cruises!

I know when many people hear the word "Disney" they think its all about the kids. In some aspects, yes, because it brings out the kid in us parents. However, Disney Cruise Line has not only made it super fun for kids and definitely brings the kid out in me, but the adult activities and adult only areas of the ship are truly adult and hardly child's play!

My husband and I love to travel, but we often struggle if we should take our kids with us or not. Fact of the matter is, we love our alone time, but after a few days or even a few hours we start missing them. That is why we discovered that Disney cruises are the best for spending time as a family but getting that very needed date night or time away from the kids.

All of the Disney ships (Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy) ALL have an adult area of the ship. That means no kid under the age of 18 can go in. With that said, my personal favorite area is the Quiet Cove Pool area. There is a very nice tranquil pool and bar called Cove Cafe. My husband and I particularly loved their drink specials like two for one margaritas or Pina Coladas. It was nice just sitting relaxing and talking to each other about non-kid things for a few hours while the kids were in the youth clubs.

Another place my husband I frequent is the fitness center. I am big on exercise and with all the food I eat on the cruise exercising daily for me is essential. My husband is in the same "boat" and we like to do at least 30 -45 mins of cardio each day. Staying in the same shape as when we first boarded ship is quite important to us and from what we saw pretty important to other guests too! The fitness centers are located in the spa area and over look the ocean. Imagine taking a jog on the treadmill while listening to music and staring out at the ocean.


I have used the Senses Spa & Salon on the Disney Magic ship where I really had a nice relaxing spa afternoon. I had a pedicure and hot stone massage. You can book your spa online prior to your cruise, however, I have found that they have good special deals if you wait until you get on-board. Some of the more popular treatments like couples massage book up quick so best to do online. More about spa here.


Here are some highlights of the spa:
  • Comfortable waiting areas
  • Showers
  • Lockers
  • Slippers and robes for use during your treatment
  • Men's and women's changing rooms
  • Massage rooms
  • Sauna
  • Beauty products


The nightclubs and lounges are spectacular as well. There a so many to choose from and since the youth club is open until midnight you can have quite a wonderful evening out while the kids are well taken care of! Here's more about the nightclubs and lounges

For my husband and I the adult dining is a must every time we cruise. Palo is an adult dining that features Italian cuisine and the service and food quality is 5-star in my opinion. I suggest making reservations prior to the trip when you do your online check-in and you do it when booking your port adventures and spa reservations online. You can do it upon boarding ship, but the date and time you want to dine may not be available. The very first time we dined at Palo we were blown away. Although eating there is not included in the cost of the trip, it is only an extra $25 for either dinner or brunch. Note that wine and alcoholic beverages are an additional cost. See more information here about Palo. I have haven't had the opportunity to dine at Remy yet, but our next cruise I think we will!

Beef tenderloin for me!
Cheers! A nice glass of sparkling wine
with my dinner at Palo!


Here are all the highlights for adults embarking on a Disney cruise whether its with their kids or alone!


Adult Activities – Disney Cruise Line

With an attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to service as only Disney could provide, all Disney ships include venues and activities created exclusively for Guests 18 years of age and older.
  • Spa & Fitness: Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa therapies, get a makeover or enjoy an invigorating workout—all in scenic, modern facilities.
  • Adult Exclusive Dining:Savor fine, Northern Italian cuisine and breathtaking ocean views at Palo or delight in elegant, French-inspired fare at Remy.
  • Quiet Cove Pool: Unwind at an adult-exclusive pool, offering tranquil solitude and gentle ocean breezes.
  • Nightclubs and Lounges:Delight in live music, cabaret shows, sports, dance parties and karaoke at venues that cater exclusively to adults when the sun sets.
  • Enjoy original Disney live shows—Broadway-caliber performances—nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre, as well as first-run Disney Digital 3-D movies and classic films in the Buena Vista Theatre.
  • Art Gallery: Shop for limited-edition prints or partake in an at-sea auction of fine art rarities
While parents play, the kids can experience the enchantment of Disney Cruise Line youth clubs, where they're cared for by trained, experienced counselors.






















Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Want Date Night Every Night?

Want a date night every night or at least more than you would in a week's time? Just think of having a babysitter at your disposal all day long! The issue that my husband and I have when traveling is that we love taking our kids with us since we usually miss them after a few days, but many places we go doesn't have childcare included in the cost. Well, if your kids are 3-12 years of age and potty trained Disney Cruise Line is the best vacation for this! The youth clubs are included in the cost of your tip. You can drop them off and pick them up anytime you want between the hours of 9am to midnight. My suggestion is getting them their youth club wrist bands prior to boarding the ship when you are checked-in at the port. The line may be long but well-worth the wait. It usually goes pretty fast.
Me and my husband Steve having our first
AMAZING Palo dinner ALONE!
The youth clubs on the ship are more than just a daycare. The facilities are state-of-the-art, themed and offer so many activities that our kids were so immersed in fun that when we would go pick them up they didn't even notice us standing there when we arrived. There are two centers. One is Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab. There are also tween and teen clubs as well, but by the time your kids are that age they can check themselves in and come and go as they please. The clubs are open from 9 am to midnight when at sea. However, times vary when at port. The clubs also feed the kids lunch and dinner so we didn't have to worry about them going hungry. The hours are the best! Our kids would go in at some point mid-day so my husband and I could go to the fitness center and have lunch alone and then at night after dinner so the two of us could spend time in the adult section of the ship having drinks at The Quiet Cove Pool area or catch a show or go to an adult night club. Also, every time we cruise my husband and I make reservations at the adult only dining Palo restaurant. When we first took our kids to the kids club on our adult dinner night at Palo we told the staff in the club we'll be at Palo. Immediately, the girl checking in the boys said, "Take your time, we'll keep them occupied. Have a nice relaxing dinner!" In the past, when we've taken our kids to other non-Disney places the youth clubs weren't as accommodating and would call and page us for every little thing to the point we felt rushed and didn't enjoy our dinner or time together. You will NOT have this problem with Disney unless there is a serious problem. Even if the Disney youth club pages you I never had to rush to the club to get them. As for our Palo night, it was fabulous and highly recommended. I will be talking about Palo in a totally separate blog, but the food and atmosphere are 5-star!